{"id":22859,"date":"2018-02-20T11:39:13","date_gmt":"2018-02-20T06:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=22859"},"modified":"2018-08-01T14:27:32","modified_gmt":"2018-08-01T08:57:32","slug":"conjunctivitis-drug","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=22859","title":{"rendered":"Conjunctivitis and its Most Common Drug List"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pink eye may sound terrifying but it is a common and treatable eye condition. As per recent estimate by National Eye Institute, about 3 million cases of pink eye are reported each year in the US.<sup>[<a href=\"https:\/\/nei.nih.gov\/health\/pinkeye\/pink_facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">1<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Medically, it is known as conjunctivitis, and refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a clear, thin membrane covering the front surface of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. This inflammatory response is evoked by infection (bacteria or virus), allergy or exposure to irritants. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious, i.e. they tend to spread through contact with an infected person.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although conjunctivitis produces some distressing symptoms, it is not a life-threatening condition and it does not affect the vision.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva may present as following symptoms, in one or both eyes.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">A gritty sensation in the eye, i.e. a feeling that something is stuck in the eye<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Redness of the eye<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pain, itching and burning sensation in the eye<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thick pus discharge from eyes that sticks to the eyelashes<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Watery eyes<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Increased sensitivity to light (medically termed as photophobia)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Treatment<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The treatment of conjunctivitis varies, depending on the type of conjunctivitis. The goal of treatment is to provide symptomatic relief, shorten the course of the disease and cause eradication of infection (if any).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Conjunctivitis usually runs its own course without any need for medication. However, presence of a bacterial infection or severe symptoms may require drug therapy. Most of the medications used in conjunctivitis are topical ointments or eye drops.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bacterial conjunctivitis necessitates treatment by antibiotics, either as eye drops or ointments. However, oral and injectable antibiotics may be required to treat conjunctivitis caused by <a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/health-conditions\/chlamydia\/\">chlamydia<\/a> or <strong>gonorrhea<\/strong> infection. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually treated by ophthalmic preparations of antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (in severe cases). Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting and resolves on its own. However, topical antihistamines and decongestants may help relieve the symptoms in viral conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Drugs for Bacterial Conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Antibiotic ophthalmic formulations are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. The antibiotics used are described below.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Antibiotics<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Antibiotics, also known as antibacterial drugs are used in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infection. Consulting an eye doctor to confirm the presence of bacterial conjunctivitis is important as antibiotics are strictly contraindicated in viral and allergic conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Topical antibiotics are preferred over oral and injectable preparations in the treatment of conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">1. Fluoroquinolones<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drugs inhibits bacterial enzymes, namely DNA gyrase and Topoisomerase IV, which are essential for bacterial DNA synthesis. Hampered DNA synthesis kills the bacteria. Hence, fluoroquinolones produce a bactericidal effect.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Ist-generation fluoroquinolones<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These constitute the earlier developed fluoroquinolones and are used for mild bacterial conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (solution\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Norfloxacin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Unapproved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Discontinued<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> norfloxacin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Chibroxin solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Burning or discomfort in eye, photophobia<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>B. Ofloxacin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ofloxacin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Ocuflox solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Puffiness of eyes, hives, itching, rash<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>C. Ciprofloxacin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ciprofloxacin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Ciloxan solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Eye discomfort, corneal deposits, irritation or redness of eye<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. IInd generation fluoroquinolones<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These are newly developed fluoroquinolones and are reserved for severe bacterial conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (solution\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Levofloxacin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> levofloxacin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Levofloxacin solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Congestion, sore throat, runny nose,<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>B. Moxifloxacin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> moxifloxacin hydrochloride<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Moxeza solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Itching, skin rash, fainting<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">2. Aminoglycosides<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aminoglycosides block the initiation of protein synthesis and alters the bacterial cell membrane, thus killing the bacteria and producing a bactericidal effect.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (solution\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Gentamicin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> gentamicin sulfate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Gentak solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Redness, itching, swelling of eye, blurred vision<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. Tobramycin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> tobramycin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> AK-Tob solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Redness, itching, swelling of eye, watery eyes<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">3. Macrolides<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Macrolides bind to a specific ribosomal unit of bacteria, thus inhibiting protein synthesis. Hence, macrolides prevent the growth of bacteria, producing bacteriostatic effect.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Erythromycin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Ophthalmic preparations (ointment)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Ophthalmic Erythromycin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> erythromycin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Erythromycin ointment<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Eye irritation, redness and swelling of eye<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Can be safely used in pregnancy<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Oral Erythromycin<\/strong><br \/>\nThese are indicated in neonatal conjunctivitis caused by chlamydial infection.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> eryhtromycin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Ery-tab tablet<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Diarrhea, chills, cough, dizziness, fast heartbeat<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. Azithromycin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Ophthalmic preparations (solution\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Ophthalmic Azithromycin<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> azithromycin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> AzaSite solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Redness, burning or irritation of eye, cough, blurred vision<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Oral Azithromycin<\/strong><br \/>\nIt is used for the treatment of chlamydial conjunctivits along with genitourinary chlamydial infection. It is also used to treat gonorrhea-induced conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> azithromycin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Zithromax oral suspension<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Loose stools, diarrhea, fever, cracked skin<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">4. Tetracycline Group of Drug<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group pf drug inhibits the bacterial protein synthesis by binding to a particular ribosome. It is a bacteriostatic agent.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Doxycycline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is used to treat adult conjunctivitis caused by chlamydial infection.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> doxycycline hyclate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Doryx capsule<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Bloating, constipation, chills, clay colored stools, cough, dark urine<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated, but can be given if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">5. Beta-lactam antibiotics<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drug kills the bacteria by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. Hence, they have a bactericidal effect.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Third-generation cephalosporins<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Ceftriaxone<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is used intramuscularly or intravenously in the treatment of adult gonococcal conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Injectable preparations (intravenous and intramuscular)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> cerftriaxone sodium<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Ceftriaxone injection<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Swelling, pain or redness at the injection site<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. Penicillin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Intravenous Penicillin G is used in the treatment of neonatal gonorrhea.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Injectable preparations (intramuscular and intravenous)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Penicillin G<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> penicillin g potassium<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Pfizerpen injection<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Rash, hives, dizziness, headache<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">6. Polypeptide antibiotics<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of antibiotic kills the bacteria by inhibiting its cell wall synthesis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Bacitracin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparation, usually ointment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Unapproved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Discontinued<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> bacitracin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Hives, itching, peeling of skin, fever, wheezing<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">7. Combination of Polypeptide antibiotic and Diaminopyrimidines<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As already stated polypeptide antibiotics produce a bactericidal effect. Diaminopyrimidine is a bacteriostatic group of drug, which inhibits the formation of folic acid in bacteria. Folic acid is an important constituent required for all metabolic reactions of bacteria. Thus, diaminopyrimidines inhibit the bacterial growth.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This combination of bacteriostatic and bactericidal drug is effective in counteracting conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Eye drops<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Polymyxin B Sulfate and Trimethoprim<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> polymyxin B sulfate\/ trimethoprim<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Polytrim eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Change in eyesight, eye pain or irritation, hives, itching<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">8. Gramicidin<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gramicidin or Gramicidin D is a combination of three antibiotic compounds, gramicidins A, B and C. It alters the cell membrane of the bacteria, thus killing the bacteria and producing a bactericidal effect.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (eye drops\/ solutions) , in combination with neomycin sulfate and polymyxin B sulfate<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> gramicidin\/ plymyxin B sulfate\/ neomycin sulfate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Neosporin solutions\/ eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Redness, itching, rash, swelling in or around the eye<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">An interesting fact here is that Neosporin ophthalmic ointment differs from neosporin ophthalmic solution in it&#8217;s composition. The ophthalmic ointment lacks gramicidin and consists of a combination of bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate and neomycin sulfate. However, both the preparations are effective in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">9. Sulfonamides<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drug is a bacteriostatic agent. It inhibits a bacterial chemical, known as para aminobenzoic acid (PABA). This chemical is necessary to form folic acid, which in turn stimulates the growth of bacteria. By inhibiting PABA, sulfonamides inhibit the bacterial growth, thus producing a desirable result in bacterial conjunctivitis.<br \/>\nSulfacetamide sodium is the only sulfonamide antibiotic, used in the treatment of conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Sulfacetamide sodium<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Opthalmic preparations (solutions\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> sulfacetamide sodium<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Bleph-10 solutions\/ eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Stinging, burning or irritation of eye<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Drugs for Allergic Conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists down various class of drugs to ameliorate the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.<sup>[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/conditions-and-treatments\/treatments\/drug-guide\/eye-medications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">1<\/a>]<\/sup> These drugs are enlisted below.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">1. H1 Receptor Antagonists<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Four types of histaminergic receptors have been identified, namely H1, H2, H3 and H4. Histamine is a protein molecule stored in mast cells. When an allergen enters a body, mast cells release histamines which act on histaminergic receptors and an allergic reaction is elicited. H1 receptor antagonists block the H1 receptors, thus the action of histamine is inhibited and allergic symptoms such as itching in the eye is relieved.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (solution\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Alcaftadine<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> alcaftadine<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Lastacaft eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Hives, itching, red sore eyes<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. Bepotastine besilate<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> bepotastine besilate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Bepreve solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Hives, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, headache<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>III. Emadastine<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> emadastine difumarate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Emadine eye drop\/ solution<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects<\/strong>: Blurred vision, eye irritation, eye redness<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>IV. Olapatidine<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> olapatidine hydrochloride<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Patanol solution\/ drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Swelling of eyelids, eye irritation, blurred vision<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>V. Azelastine<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> azelastine hydrochloride<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Azelastine Hydrochloride<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Azelastine is also used as a nasal spray in the treatment of hay fever.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">2. Mast Cell Stabilizers<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drug stabilizes the mast cells, thus inhibiting the release of histamine, which produces allergic symptoms. Hence, mast cell stabilizers are used in allergic conjunctivitis to relieve the symptoms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (usually eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Cromoglicic acid<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> cromolyn sodium<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Crolom solution\/drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Redness or rash around eyes, eye irritation, burning or stinging of eye<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. Ketotifen<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Over the counter<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ketotifen fumarate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Alaway solution\/ eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Eyelid swelling, redness, changes in vision, itching of eyes<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>III. Lodoxamide<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Over the counter<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> lodoxamide tromethamine<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Alomide solution\/ eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Blurred vision, eye irritation, eye itching, dry eyes<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>IV. Nedocromil<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> nedocromil sodium<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Alocril solution\/ eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Cough, change in vision, blurred vision, dry itchy eyes, headache, chest tightness, shortness of breath<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>V. Pemirolast<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Unapproved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Discontinued<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> pemirolast potassium<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Alamast solution\/ eye drops<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Abdominal pain, headache, cough, runny nose, chest tightness<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Cromolyn sodium is also available as a nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">3. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drug inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and prevents the release of inflammatory mediator, called Prostaglandins. Hence, NSAIDs relieve the conjunctival inflammation and hasten the recovery, particularly in allergic conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Acetic acid derivatives<\/strong><br \/>\nKetorolac is the only approved NSAID for the treatment of itchy eyes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Opthalmic preparations (solution\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Ketorolac<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ketorolac tromethamine<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Acular<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Redness, itching or irritation of eye, sensiitivity to light, eye swelling, throbbing pain<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">4. Decongestants<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These belong to a class of drug, known as \u201cAlpha adrenergic agonist\u201d. This group of drugs stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptors of the eye and relieves congestion by constricting the blood vessels, thus reducing inflammation and redness seen in allergic conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> A combination of decongestants are being sold as ophthalmic preparations (Eye drops\/ solution).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Naphazoline and Pheniramine<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Over the counter<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> naphazoline hydrochloride\/ pheniramine maleate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Naphcon-A<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Rash, hives, wheezing, eye pain, change in eyesight<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">5. Corticosteroids<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Corticosteroids are a group of steroid hormones, which are normally released by the adrenal glands. These are potent anti-inflammatory drugs and relieve the conjunctival inflammation, thus hastening the recovery.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Ophthalmic preparations (solution\/ suspension\/ eye drops)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>I. Loteprednol<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> loteprednol etabonate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Alrex solution\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Blurred vision, swelling or redness of eye, changes in vision, sensitivity to light, discharge from eye<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if absolutely indicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>II. Dexamethasone<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Conjunctivitis<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> dexamethasone<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Maxidex suspension\/ eye drop<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Bloody eye, change in vision, eye pain, blurred vision, loss of vision, headache<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs fetal risk<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Contains traces of alcohol (0.25% as phenylethyl alcohol in preservative)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As already mentioned, drug therapy is not recommended for viral conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">OTC<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">There are various over the counter medications available for the treatment of conjunctivitis. These include antibiotics and anti-allergics, which are readily available as over the counter eye drops or ointments. Oral antibiotics, such as azithromycin may also be available as an OTC in some countries.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The availability of these medications vary from country to country, depending on the norms of the respective drug regulatory body. Various OTC drugs for conjunctivitis available in different countries have been enlisted in the table below.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 696px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\"><strong>Name of the Country<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\"><strong>OTC Drug(s) Available<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">Argentina<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Sulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">Australia<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Cromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nKetotifen (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nSulfacetamide (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Austria<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Cromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nNaphazoline (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Canada<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nCromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0China<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Erythromycin (ophthalmic ointment)<br \/>\nLevofloxacin (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nSulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Denmark<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Lodoxamide (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nNaphazoline (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nKetotifen (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0France<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Cromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nLodoxamide (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Germany<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Lodoxamide (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nCromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Hungary<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Azelastine (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nCromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0India<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nTetrahydrozoline (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Ireland<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Naphazoline (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Italy<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nSulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Japan<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nCromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nKetotifen (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Mexico<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nSulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Philippines<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations; but only in combination)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0Russia<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Gentamicin (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nDexamethasone (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nGramicidin (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nSulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0South Korea<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nSulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0 Spain<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nAzelastine (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nCromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nNaphazoline (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nTetrahydrozoline (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">\u00a0UK<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Azithromycin (oral)<br \/>\nAzelastine (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nCromoglicic acid (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nLodoxamide (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nNaphazoline (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 188px;\">USA<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 463px;\">Polymyxin B (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nKetotifen (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nLodoxamide (ophthalmic preparations)<br \/>\nNaphazoline (ophthalmic preparations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although conventional medications combined with various at-home measures can effectively manage the condition, care must also be taken to prevent the spread of infection to others.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lastly, doctors strictly condemn self-medication in conjunctivitis and an eye doctor&#8217;s consultation must be sought to effectively combat the condition.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pink eye may sound terrifying but it is a common and treatable eye condition. As per recent estimate by National Eye Institute, about 3 million cases of pink eye are reported each year in the US.[1] Medically, it is known as conjunctivitis, and refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a clear, thin [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":33783,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18941],"tags":[25551],"class_list":{"0":"post-22859","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-drug-by-condition","8":"tag-conjunctivitis"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22859"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22859\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}